Disneyland Resort is cracking down on a common practice that many guests have relied on during their visits: sitting on the sidewalks to secure a spot for parades and shows. The new rules restrict Southern California Disney Park guests from sitting on Main Street, U.S.A.’s curbs until two hours before parades like Paint the Night begin. This change has stirred up mixed reactions, as Disney aims to alleviate overcrowding and create a fairer experience for all park-goers.
Last month, Paint the Night returned as part of Disneyland70 celebrations, after being absent for nearly a decade. As the parade draws larger and larger crowds, guests have begun to claim their spots hours in advance, causing frustration for those who want to experience other attractions. For many locals and Magic Key holders, waiting for hours isn’t a problem, but for out-of-town visitors with limited time, it can mean sacrificing other experiences to secure a prime viewing spot.
To address this issue, Disneyland Resort has implemented a rule that prevents guests from sitting down more than two hours before the parade. Disney cast members are now patrolling the area and ensuring that guests follow this guideline, asking those who arrive too early to stand up until it is time to take a seat.
TikTok user @magicallymckenna shared a video of her experience with the new rule. She explained that she was asked to stand after sitting down at 6:40 p.m. for the 8:50 p.m. parade, just 10 minutes before the two-hour window.
“So it appears Disney is actually cracking down on the two-hour camp-out time for the parade,” she said. “I had just sat down on the curb at 6:40, and the parade starts at 8:50, so it’s ten minutes early, and they asked me to stand.”
@magicallymckenna Don’t worry, you can just stand 😅 #disney #disneyfyp #fyp #disneyland #disneylandcalifornia #distok #distokfam #disneyadult #disneytiktok #disneyparks #disneytrip #disneyland70thanniversary
The Disney Park guest pointed out that the rules led to a crowd of people standing together, only to sit down once the time hit 6:50. Still, the TikToker followed the cast member’s instructions. “Whatever works,” she said.
The policy sparked debate among Disney Parks fans. Many commenters supported the rule, arguing that it would make the parade experience fairer for everyone.
“This is why visiting Disneyland from out of town sucks,” @heyitsthatguyjosh argued. “Locals will camp hours and hours for parades/fireworks meaning you have to give up half your day or not see them at all.”
However, not all guests are happy with the policy. Some visitors believe that, as paying customers, they should have the right to sit on the curb whenever they choose.
“I paid my ticket,” @aubreezuniga commented. “If I want to sit on the [Main Street, U.S.A.] curb ALL DAY that should be my own prerogative.”
Should the Disney parks enforce any other rules about guest behavior? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
It’s about time they get those entitled locals who treat the parks like an appendage to their house under control! They are content to camp out all day, lay down blankets and take turns protecting the prime spot while the others go on rides. Thank you, Disney!
Your comment is rude and inaccurate. Not ALL of those people that claim a space early are locals. And not ALL annual pass holders are against this new rule.
I’ve been an annual pass holder for over 25 years. I’m glad Disney implemented this rule. It’s incredibly annoying trying to navigate Main Street or the area near Pirates in front of the Rivers of America hours before a parade or Fantasmic with people staking out their territory. I’m a safety persons, and always worry about people getting stepped for sitting to early because people, no matter where they’re from, local or otherwise, are careless and thoughtless.
I live in AZ and have an AP. I can come a few times a year, often enough to enjoy parades when I want. 2 hours is plenty, and the CMs have been vigilant but polite as always. I was there the first night of PTN, and it was cutthroat, lol. Up near IASW, which is a great place to watch the parade, they also asked that those who had strollers without children in them move the strollers behind the viewing area, and blankets were prohibited. One loud woman kept moving to the viewing are (with stroller and bkanket), encouraging others to join her. “What are they gonna do, kick us out?” Well, yes ma’am, they will.
Yes, you paid for your ticket, but so did everyone else. Your ticket doesn’t give you license to do anything you want.
DL is a great place to go. It’s even better when we are nice to other people there.
Great response, Teddy. I have been a passholder for nearly 30 years, and always try to be kind and friendly to other guests and cast members alike. I’m sick and tired of this entitled generations ruining the Disney experience for so many people. I think Disney is trying it’s best to ensure that all are treated as fairly as possible!
Do you have any copy editors? You constantly post headlines about Disneyland with photos from Disney World!!! And vice-versa!! You’d think that as a “Disney” news post company you would know the difference! It’s just annoying.